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Introduction

Ships Through the Ages: A Brief History

The First True Boats

Paddles, Poles, Oars, and Sails

Ships Assembled from Small Parts

Ships of the Age of Discovery

Wood Yields to Iron

Meanwhile iron gradually began to supplant wood in ship construction. Although used experimentally by the British before 1800, iron did not become a significant shipbuilding material until after 1830. By 1855 it was displacing wood in British shipbuilding. The new technology soon spread to other nations. Composite sailing vessels—with planks of wood over iron frames—were popular for a few years, especially in the tea trade between China and Britain.

Since copper is poisonous to marine…

Steam Supplants the Sail

Steamships in Ocean Trade

Advances in Engines and Construction

Ships of Today: Types, Design, and Construction

Seamen—Yesterday and Today

Development of the United States Merchant Marine

The Worldwide Shipping Industry

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